The Chinese-American actor Ben Wang is reportedly in talks to join the cast of Marvel studios' upcoming reboot of the film X-Men as Iceman, also known as Bobby Drake. Known for his role in Karate Kid: Legends, Ben Wang is currently gearing up for the release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise of the Reaping, where he plays Wyatt Callow.
The actor is being considered for playing the powerful mutant role, who is one of the original members of the X-Men series, according to Deadline. Alongside Wang, Gabriel LaBelle, Jackson Kelly and Rhenzy Feliz were among others who auditioned for the role. Fans had already penciled in The Fabelmans actor Gabriel LaBelle to play Iceman's role. However, they registered disappointment online after reports of his casting were denied by publications.
If finalised for the film, Wang will be among others to join an ensemble that includes Christopher Abbott as Charles Xavier/Professor X, Kit Connor as Scott Summers/Cyclops, Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Inde Navarrette as Rogue and Maya Boyd as Storm. Adam Driver will also be a part of the cast as the antagonist Nathaniel Milbury/Mister Sinister.
The Iceman character was previously played by Shawn Ashmore in the X-Men film series. If the deal materialises, Wang will be playing one of the superhero mutants known for his ability to generate and manipulate ice.
Wang Pucun, professionally known as Ben Wang, is no stranger to action films. The actor is proficient in various martial art forms such as karate, taekwondo, kung fu, and kenpo and is fluent in English and Mandarin. He made his debut in a television series called MacGyver as Eli Brown. Wang landed the lead role in Disney+ sitcom American Born Chinese(2023). He also acted alongside Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio in Karate kid: Legends (2025).
Directed by Jake Schreiner, the upcoming X-Men film has a screenplay by Lee Sung Jin and Joanna Calo, and is produced by Marvel Studios. The film revolves around mutant superheroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, who fight to protect humanity while battling prejudice against mutants. Although Wang's association with the film is not officially confirmed, the film has been scheduled to hit the theatres on May 5, 2027.
